Jannik Sinner does not appear to be planning to play any grass court tournaments before Wimbledon this year.
Sinner won Wimbledon for the first time last year, having beaten Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
The Italian will be the favorite to defend his title at SW19, with it still uncertain as to whether Alcaraz will play Wimbledon this year.
Sinner had previously played grass court tournaments every year before Wimbledon, but this year it is being reported that he will not, and Tim Henman has reacted to this news after his latest win in Rome.
Tim Henman says Jannik Sinner’s decision before Wimbledon ‘makes complete sense’
Sinner broke Novak Djokovic’s all-time record after beating Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-4 to reach the Italian Open semifinals.
Following the conclusion of this match, former world number four and board member of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Henman, was asked about Sinner’s decision not to play any grass court tournaments prior to Wimbledon this year.
Can anyone now stop Jannik Sinner from winning Roland Garros after Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal?
If yes, who?
Henman was in support of Sinner’s decision, claiming that it made sense given his hopes of winning Roland Garros this year, explaining that he could change those plans if his title bid did not go to plan in Paris.
“I think that makes complete sense,” Sinner said on Sky Sports. “That is really on the understanding he is going to have a great run in Paris. If something bizarre happens and he were to lose early perhaps that might change.
“But when you have played as much tennis as he has, he is so confident, he is match sharp, the most important thing for him is to make sure he goes into Paris with his physical energy and emotional energy at 100%. If that is the case, then he’s going to be difficult to stop.”
Could a combination of Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Joao Fonseca, and Alex de Minaur beat Jannik Sinner?
He's just too good!
How have Jannik Sinner’s previous pre-Wimbledon tournaments gone?
Sinner has played one grass court tournament before his five previous main draw appearances at Wimbledon.
In the three most recent years, Sinner has competed at the Halle Open, with varying degrees of success.
Sinner won the Halle Open in 2024, but lost in the Wimbledon quarterfinals last year.
While last year, Sinner lost to Alexander Bublik in Halle, before going on to win the Wimbledon title.
| Year | Sinner’s pre-Wimbledon results | Sinner’s Wimbledon result |
| 2021 | Queen’s Club Championships – First Round | First Round |
| 2022 | Eastbourne International – First Round | Quarterfinal |
| 2023 | Halle Open – Quarterfinal | Semifinal |
| 2024 | Halle Open – Won the title | Quarterfinal |
| 2025 | Halle Open – Second Round | Won the title |
Before Sinner sets his sights on defending his Wimbledon title, he will look to continue his dominant clay court season.
After reaching the Italian Open semifinals, Sinner is just two wins away from becoming the second man to win every Masters 1000 title.
